REligions: the same or different?

[B. de Corbin]

Re: Medusa's QDJ(year of the $1 pickle!)

Are not some the champagne of beers?...I heard that somewhere...

In the ongoing metaphor, the champagne of beers would be what Republicans are calling Christianity in America.

[Medusa]

Re: Medusa's QDJ(year of the $1 pickle!)

Maybe we should move this to its own thread? Jaja? Because it's a good conversation but I don't want to squash it with another question.

[anunitu]

Re: Medusa's QDJ(year of the $1 pickle!)

You bring the beer B. De.,and Duce you bring the cookies,and start another thread. Or should I have said wine and wafers??

[thalassa]

Re: Medusa's QDJ(year of the $1 pickle!)

Maybe we should move this to its own thread? Jaja? Because it's a good conversation but I don't want to squash it with another question.

You bring the beer B. De.,and Duce you bring the cookies,and start another thread. Or should I have said wine and wafers??

DONE!



(also, ALL is an absolutist sort of word to use...and the only absolute is that there are no other absolutes)

[thalassa]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

Thalassa,
Look at the definition of a religion under the IRS codes. Since churches are automatically 501c3 organizations (tax exempt) the IRS has a definition of what is necessary to be considered a religion and a church. It differs from the court's decisions.

Why I discount IRS regulatory definitions, as told in comedy:

^also another similarity--there are always jerks, regardless of denomination that will try to screw you using religion to get money


(also, why I despise the "prosperity gospel", and the reason why I look side-eyed at organized religions before I decide how seriously to take them)

[Hawkfeathers]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

There's a prevailing thread in most religions, in theory if not in practice, of doing unto others as you'd have done to yourself, or the "golden rule", etc. What seems to be similar in practice is how the leaders teach of the frivolity of material goods, yet live in opulence. (Not every one, but you get my drift.)

[Bartmanhomer]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

All religions are different depending on which belief system you go by. But there's one thing that all religions have in common: There's a god or goddess.

[thalassa]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

All religions are different depending on which belief system you go by. But there's one thing that all religions have in common: There's a god or goddess.

Untrue for quite a few religions.

[Bartmanhomer]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

Untrue for quite a few religions.

Really? Explain yourself please.

[Taulmaril]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

I look at religion as a community of people utilizing a common set of beliefs to connect with the divine. I see this more as a man made construct. I believe that people were never meant to be solitary beings as a whole and that is why we congregate in cities. Religion tends to give people a sense of belonging. As a recovering alcoholic my place is in the 12-step community which we do not view as a religion but it includes a belief in higher power which can and is often very diverse. In this way it allows all those who practice the 12-steps a sense of community and belonging that eludes so many addicts. I am also a substance abuse counselor and one of the biggest detriments that I see for my clients is a lack of positive community. So in short, for me it is the human aspect of belonging that helps give voice to our spiritual needs.

[Bartmanhomer]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

Ok now I get it. But just to let everybody know that Atheism is a non-religious group. So many people believe that Atheism is a religion but the truth really isn't a religion.

[Medusa]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

Ok now I get it. But just to let everybody know that Atheism is a non-religious group. So many people believe that Atheism is a religion but the truth really isn't a religion.

I'm an atheist. I declare it as my 'religion' on forms that ask. Why? Because it is indeed covered in the workplace. They cannot discriminate against me because of my religion. I am legally covered just like every other religious person. I'm not less than everyone else because I didn't pick your god to follow.

[DavidMcCann]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

I'm an atheist. I declare it as my 'religion' on forms that ask. Why? Because it is indeed covered in the workplace. They cannot discriminate against me because of my religion. I am legally covered just like every other religious person. I'm not less than everyone else because I didn't pick your god to follow.

It may be useful to you to declare atheism as a religion, but that doesn't make it one.

One dictionary defined religion as "the outward act or form by which men indicate their recognition of the existence of a god or of gods" and that's what people would normally understand by the term. In that sense, all religions are the same in that they all fit the definition. But that's like saying "all mammals are the same -- whale and mouse"!

It's difficult to see any other similarity between a pagans who consider this world worth living in and Christians or Buddhists who (in theory, at least) considers it a place to escape from.

[Medusa]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

I declare it for the purposes of it being on equal stand with religion in regards to the 1st amendment. (The Supreme court agrees) Thankfully I have a back door pass. I'm a Satanist. Totally covered as my religion. So neener neener.

[anunitu]

Re: REligions: the same or different?

You will most likely be good Duce,until they say L. Ron's little group can not get tax exemption. The guy outright said he formed it so he would not have to pay taxes.

Also if Scientology is a religion,then say you worship toe jam,and away you go....